THE Conservative Party has won the seat of Henley in the General Election, with John Howell retaining the seat with a .6% decrease in his share of the vote compared to the last election in 2015. The turnout for the Henley constituency was 76.3% which compares to 70.3% for the 2015 election.
John Howell is congratulated after his election is announced
The official 2017 figures show that both the Labour and Lib Dems made gains, while the Green Party and UKIP reduced their share of the vote:
GREEN PARTY 1,864 3.3% (2015 – 3,815)
LIB DEMS 8,485 14.9% (2015 – 6,205)
RADICAL PARTY 392 0.7% N/A
CONSERVATIVE 33,749 59.1% (2015 – 32,292)
LABOUR 11,455 20.1% (2015 – 6,917)
UKIP 1,154 2.0% (2015 – 6,007)
You can read the full statistics on the BBC website HERE
A Thame based photographer has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Last week, Mark Hewitson, owner of Mark Hewitson Photography, tweeted Theo about his business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers.
Photographer, Mark Hewitson
The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has 1700 Small Business Sunday winners and supports small businesses all over the UK.
Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo re-tweeted Mark’s message to his almost 500,000 followers and as a result, Mark Hewitson Photography has over 150 more Twitter followers as well as a constant influx of phone calls and website enquiries about their photography services. They are also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.
Mark explained: “I create family, pet and commercial images at my studio in Thame and it is great to have support from Theo in raising my profile. I am delighted that Theo has recognised my hard work and has helped spread the word about what I do to his following. Since winning the phone has not stopped ringing and the emails are coming in thick and fast, I am absolutely delighted with my win.”
Small business champion and Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Chairman, Theo Paphitis, said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK. My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website and shop #SBS will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Mark Hewitson Photography every success.”
#SBS Winners also have access to the exclusive members’ selling platform www.shopsbs.co.uk where hundreds of winners are already selling thousands of products, from unique gifts and bespoke furniture to pet toys or jewellery. It is another opportunity for the #SBS winners to turn tweets into sales.
Anyone looking for a re‐tweet from Theo should tweet him about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re‐tweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the new website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities.
FOR several years, the twinning between Montesson and Thame has seen much sporting action between some of its more dynamic members, including days of hiking and cycling on both sides of the channel.
This year, one English couple who have remained faithful to twinning since its creation 15 years ago, were invited to cycle through the canals of Burgundy for a week.
“500 km under a burning sun, along these magnificent waterways; a quiet journey punctuated by the 200 locks on the Canal de Bourgogne and the 116 locks of the Canal du Nivernais, as well the old lock houses that compete with each other with their charm,” said Elisabeth Charrière, Vice-president of the MontessonTwinning Committee.
After the effort of cycling, the group of seven – five French and the two English – were rewarded with periodic rests, often under the shade of the trees of the ‘Burgundy terroir’.
Elisabeth continued her description: “It is a ribbon of water, full of discreet life: ducks, grey herons, swans and many song birds; fish that we saw jumping from time to time. A human presence is also retained with fishermen, walkers, and quiet, recreational boats. On each side of the canal, we experienced a succession of all types of landscape: limestone coast, vineyards, groves, meadows and forests.
Sonja Francis gets a taste of the local, Bourgandy delicacy, escargot !
“The English couple, John and Sonja Francis, enjoyed the rich Burgundian terroir, tasting snails, local cheeses Epoisses and Saint-Florentin, and of course after the effort of the day came the comfort of the evening with some good bottles of Burgundy.
“The unusual heat of the season prompted us first to dip our feet in the canal and then, on the very hottest day with 35 degree F, to a real improvised bath in the beautiful refreshing waters of the river Yonne.
A few adventures slowed down the journey,” explained Elisabeth: “Just two punctures, and a tick bite that was complicated because the pharmacist did not succeed in removing the head of the insect, requiring us all to accompany the victim to the local doctor.
Summing up the adventure, Elisabeth said: “We have all improved our English and our English friends have progressed in their French. Effort, laughter and incidents have only strengthened our already faithful friendship.”
Contributed by Jehan-Jacques Peyre, Correspondent for Le Courrier des Yvelines, from an original report by Elisabeth Charrière
Translated by Google and Sonja Francis !
NB For those of you interested in reading the original French version of the article that appeared in Le Courrier des Yvelines (the local paper for Montesson, Thame’s twin town), here it is:
L’amitié franco-anglaise se construit aussi à vélo au fil des canaux.
Depuis plusieurs années, le jumelage entre Montesson et la ville Anglaise de Thame se vit sportivement par l’action de quelques membres dynamiques. Cette année un couple d’Anglais, fidèles du jumelage depuis sa création, a été invité à randonner à vélo sur les canaux de Bourgogne durant une semaine. « 500 km sous un soleil ardent, le long de ces magnifiques voies d’eau, trajet tranquille rythmé par les 200 écluses du Canal de Bourgogne et les 116 écluses du Canal du Nivernais et les anciennes maisons éclusières qui rivalisent de coquetterie et invitent à la pause » témoigne Elisabeth Charrière, vice-présidente du Comité de Jumelage. Après l’effort, le riche terroir bourguignon au menu
C’est un ruban d’eau plein de vie discrète : canards, hérons cendrés, cygnes et nombreux oiseaux ; poissons que l’on voit sauter de temps en temps. La présence humaine y est aussi retenue : pêcheurs, promeneurs, tranquilles bateaux de plaisance. De chaque côté du Canal c’est une succession de tous types de paysage : côtes calcaires, vignobles, bocages, prairies, forêts. Le couple Anglais a pu apprécier le riche terroir bourguignon, avec dégustation d’escargots, de fromages locaux Epoisses et Saint-Florentin, et bien sûr après l’effort le réconfort du soir avec quelques bonnes bouteilles de Bourgogne.
« La grosse chaleur inhabituelle pour la saison nous a incités d’abord à des bains de pied dans le canal puis à un vrai bain improvisé dans les belles eaux rafraîchissantes de l’Yonne », raconte Elisabeth. Quelques péripéties ont un peu ralenti le périple : deux crevaisons, une piqûre de tique qui s’est compliquée car le pharmacien n’ayant pas réussi à enlever la tête de l’insecte, tous ont accompagné la victime chez le docteur.
« Nous avons tous amélioré notre anglais et nos amis anglais ont progressé en français. L’effort, le rire et les incidents n’ont fait que renforcer notre déjà fidèle amitié ».
Jehan-Jacques Peyre
THE Thame Store Net scheme, the system whereby shops can speak to each other and the police, has saved just under £1000 worth of stock being stolen through shopliftings.
Image courtesy of West Yorkshire Police
The first batch of offenders since the scheme was launched, have been placed on the Shop Watch scheme and are now banned from all the Thame shops involved. This, say the Thame Community Policing team in its latest newsletter, has reduced the amount of calls for Anti-Social Behaviour and shopliftings from the town.
A General Election Forum, held in Thame last night (Monday), attracted so many local people that the event had to be reconvened in the Church next door. The hustings was organised by the combined churches of Thame, and was booked to be held in St Joseph’s church hall.
But the sheer number of local people who wanted to see and hear their candidates talk about the issues that would help them decide where they would mark their cross on polling day, surprised many people.
Thame constituents continue to arrive before it’s decided to reconvene in the more spacious church next door.
Four of the five candidates standing in the Henley Constituency (which includes Thame) attended, Robin Bennett – Green Party, Laura Coyle – Liberal Democrats, Patrick Gray – Radical Party, John Howell – Conservative and Oliver Kavanagh – Labour Party. UKIP’s candidate, Tim Scott, did not show up.
The candidates were asked a variety of questions, including subjects such as the lack of affordable housing in Thame, funding for Education, how the country should treat immigrants and asylum seekers, Children’s health services and freedom of movement for EU citizens. Thame.Net tweeted live from the forum and for those unable to follow our twitter stream, here is a flavour of the main questions discussed:
Education
The first question of the evening came from a teacher at Lord Williams’s School, who asked John Howell about education funding, saying that her school was due to lose hundreds of thousands of pounds in the proposed Education Funding Formula. She invited him to visit her school and help them ‘choose the 25 teachers that will need to go!’
The Lib Dem candidate, Laura Coyle, refuted his reply that there will be a real-terms increase for all schools, adding that under her party, what she called ‘the vanity project’ of more grammar schools would not happen.
For Labour, Oliver Kavanagh promised a programme of investment in education. An audience member said directly to John Howell that one Thame primary school had spent time and money building a kitchen to provide school lunches for pupils, only to now have to scrap it as the free school lunch policy was being abandoned by the government.
The Radical Party candidate, Patrick Gray, said that ‘current policies are strangling the futures of our young people’. He said that his party wants power ‘back in the hands of people, meeting locally and saying what they want’.
There was a rumble of derision from some sections of the audience as John Howell blamed the previous Labour government for the state of economy and said that ‘a strong economy’ was what his party had to offer.
When asked about cuts to Policing and fighting terrorism, John Howell said that more surveillance officers had in fact been employed. While for the Greens, Robin Bennett talked about suggestions of a report on terrorism funding which is expected to criticise Saudi Arabia, bring ‘suppressed’ until after the general election.
Immigrants and asylum-seekers
In response to a Thame resident’s question about what each party would do to help immigrants and asylum seekers, International cooperation is the only way to solve the fundamental causes of refugees, suggested the Radical Party’s Patrick Gray.
John Howell said the government had helped 3000 children from the immigration camps. This was not enough, said Liberal Democrat, Laura Coyle. “We should welcome refugees and asylum seekers with open arms.”
The Green candidate said that only 350 children had been taken in by the UK last year. The Lib dem candidate said that her party would limit detention in asylum centres to 28 days, calling the current system of inderminate lengths of stay as ‘inhuman’ and ‘barbaric’.
Housing
A member of the audience said that despite earning a reasonable salary, she had looked into several schemes to help her get on the housing ladder in the area, but £330,000 for a two bedroom house is not ‘affordable’!
Abandonment of a national consensus after the war, that everyone should have a decent home, is what is at the root of the housing shortage and high prices, said the Radical party’s Patrick Gray.
John Howell mentioned Neighbourhood planning as the way for local people to influence housing development in their areas, a policy he helped introduce. He suggested that the proposed completely new, settlement at Chalgrove was an opportunity to put infrastructure in first, before any houses were put in.
On the subject of free movement of workers between the UK and the EU, the Radical party’s Patrick Gray said that it was ‘folly’ to restrict immigration from the EU. “We need their skills in many occupations” he said, and that we would be “shooting ourselves in the foot” if it were curbed.
John Howell said that be believed that a reciprocal agreement on EU workers would be made during the Brexit negotiations.
Candidates’ final statements
Winding up at the end, the Green candidate, Robin Bennett, said: “We will work for environment and the most vulnerable in our society.”
In his final statement, Patrick Gray said: “Vote for the Radical Party for a more equal and optimistic future.”
Seeming to concede that a Labour win was unlikely in Henley, Oliver Kavanagh suggested that a vote for his party would nevertheless “send a strong message to Teresa May” that her party would not have things all their own way in a future parliament.
Laura Coyle for the Lib Dems said in conclusion: “We certainly did not vote to leave the EU in the way she (Theresa May) is preparing us to. We want Britain to remain open and tolerant.”
John Howell, the sitting Conservative MP, after criticism from the floor of the government cuts to Education, the NHS, the police etc, said that only a strong economy could support such services, and that he was proud of what his government has done for the country. This evoked some noisy, negative responses from some members of the audience.
Conclusion
It cannot be denied that the general feeling among the audience at this Thame General Election Forum was one of hostility toward the sitting MP, John Howell (who made a hasty retreat at the end) and the Conservative government in general, which perhaps is to be expected after seven years of austerity and cuts, whether one believes them to have been necessary or not. But an observer could not fail to have been surprised at the lack of apparent support for the Conservative party that has dominated the Henley constituency for so long.
But to jump to any conclusions about an earth shattering routing of John Howell’s party, would be unwise – those dyed-in-the-wool Conservatives ‘who would vote for a toy, blue bunny if it were put up’ as they say around Thame, would probably not have felt the need to come to a forum and hear alternative views. Also, it was raining last evening and there were very few young people attending which, if the pundits are to be believed, could make a difference if they are moved to come out and vote.
Listening to the questioning and the response to replies from the politicians, the over-riding impression was that those who had taken the trouble to come, had decided that they want to vote for an alternative, and had come along to size up the alternatives before making up their minds – whether they intend to vote tactically or not.
Only in the early hours of Friday morning, June 9, will we and the candidates discover whether or not the Henley Constituency has been rocked at its political foundations – or just shaken up a bit.
A charity Gig and BBQ held at The Three Horsehoes pub in Towersey on May 27, raised £1,020, which is going to be split between two charities, the British Legion and the drop in Cancer centre. Tay o’Lay provided the music and Master Chef contestant, Ashley Byrne cooked the BBQ.
Mark wetter (right) & Ashley Byrne
RYCOTE Park and Gardens will be opened to the public to raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Rycote Park opens its historic doors on Wednesday, June 7, for the first time as part of Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s Open Gardens programme. Visitors will get a rare opportunity to explore the magnificent grounds and gardens, which date back to the 16th Century, whilst helping to raise funds for the charity.
Situated on the outskirts of Thame, Rycote Park is steeped in history. Once a great Tudor mansion, it was almost completely demolished in 1807 and all that remains today is part of the south-west tower. The 14th Century Rycote Chapel, which pre-dates the house, was built for the medieval owners of the estate and has survived with many of its original medieval fittings. The Tudor mansion at Rycote was arguably the dominant country house in early modern Oxfordshire and played host to six English kings and queens, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Kate Martin, Event Fundraising Manager for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, says: “We are extremely lucky to be able to give our supporters a rare insight and guided tour of this magnificent estate, which features for the first time in our annual Open Gardens programme. We hope this extra special event will raise lots of money for the Charity and help make this year’s scheme one of the most successful yet!”
The visit to Rycote Park will begin with an introductory talk on the estate’s history by owner Sarah Taylor, before visitors are led on a tour of the Chapel, historic grounds and gardens of Rycote, taking in the research done by Time Team, amongst others.
The morning event will run between 10.30-12.30pm at Rycote Park, Thame, OX9 2PE. Tickets are £30 and only available in advance. Visit TVAA’s website www.tvairambulance.org.uk/rycote or call 0300 999 0135
THAME Equipment Bank – volunteer manager – Thame Equipment Bank is one of the 21st Century Thame initiatives, in conjunction with Thame Town Council, and aims to provide low-cost equipment for hire to community organisations & groups, as well as private not-for-profit hire in the Thame area. They are currently looking for a Volunteer Manager to ensure the Equipment Bank is fully utilised, facilitate bookings, stock check and administrate the finances. Download the job role and description or email Sue, Chair of 21st Century Thame, suedownhill@gmail.com for further information and an informal discussion.
The ducks are tipped into the river Thame ready to race. Image – Nick White 2014
BOOK your place in the duck race! – This year’s Thame Duck Race will take place on Sunday, June 11, at Thame Bridge (Priest End), with gates opening at 10:45am. Purchase your duck race ticket from the Town Hall now for just £2, with all proceeds going to local charities, causes and sports clubs. If your duck is one of the first three across the finish line, you could win a prize voucher worth up to £50! The event is being organised Thame Round Table.
FUNDING available for innovative projects promoting walking and cycling – don’t miss out! Exciting opportunity to apply for funding for new projects promoting walking and cycling.
The Department for Transport will fund up to £470,000 for innovative projects that lead to more walking and cycling. Proposals will tackle current barriers and encourage more journey stages to be made by bicycle or on foot. Innovations may include, for example, technology, infrastructure, manufacturing or behavioural change.
The competition is open to individuals, groups and organisations. It is particularly suitable for early-stage, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Industry partners such as local government, independent and third sectors can carry out the project on their own or with others.
This competition has two phases. Up to £170,000 is allocated for phase one, and up to £300,000 for phase two.
phase 1: proof of concept. Projects should last up to 15 weeks and range in size up to a total cost of £25,000 each
phase 2: demonstrator projects. Projects should last up to 9 months. They can range in size up to a total cost of £100,000 per project
The deadline to register for this competition is June 7, 2017. The deadline for submission of applications is 14 June 2017 LINK HERE for full details.
Time is short so if you are interested, register now!
BEES are in trouble – can you help? Join the Friends of the Earth’s Great British Bee Count until June 30, 2017. There’s a free app to help you get started in identifying and recording different species. By taking part, you’ll learn more about our brilliant bees and easy ways to help them. It’s also a great nature activity to do with children – encouraging them to get up close with these wonderful insects. Over 15,000 people took part in last year’s count.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an attempted burglary in Thame.
On 26.05.17 at 12:00 a property in Brookside was the target for an attempted burglary. No entry was gained.
If you have seen any suspicious looking vehicles or people in the area or have any information relating to this message, please call the police via the 24 hour non- emergency telephone number 101.
Alternatively, if you have any information but wish to remain anonymous, please call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online @ crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
THAME Town Council has rejected a proposal to split a Thame shop into two separate spaces, to provide a restaurant and delicatessen at the front, and a furnishings shop at the rear.
Wildwood Restaurants Group have submitted the plans to turn the front of Greens Furnishings in Upper High Street, Thame, into a restaurant and delicatessen, whilst Greens retain the back half, accessed through a new entrance at the side of the shop through the current small alley way.
However, Thame Town Council’s Planning Committee voted to recommend refusal of the application, mainly on the grounds that more large, waste wheelie bins in the area, would add to the ‘eyesore’ already created by the bins outside Prezzo and Jack and Alice, close by.
The final decision on the plans rests with South Oxfordshire District Council. The full application can be read HERE
FOLLOWING Thame Town Council’s competition to design a new, community flag, a winner has now been chosen from 33 different designs.
Mayor Cllr Tom Wyse and Deputy Mayor (Cllr Linda Emery with the winning design
At its Annual Meeting, on May 9, Thame Town Council chose the winning design from a shortlist of four. The town councillors were really impressed with all of the designs and thanked everyone who entered. The winning flag was designed by Hazel Mann, and was chosen for its modern design which the council said reflected the council’s website.
A council spokesperson said: “The designer has informed us that the wavy lines represent the elements which surround Thame – the blue line represents the River Thame, the white line represents the Phoenix Trail, and the green line represents the countryside. Hazel is excited and proud to be chosen as the winner and is looking forward to seeing the flag being flown! The flag should be produced in the next few weeks. ”
You can view all of the entries on the Town Council’s website at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/town-flag-winner-chosen.
Pictured: The new town flag, and the Mayor (Cllr Tom Wyse) and Deputy Mayor (Cllr Linda Emery) holding the winning design.
THAME’S Charter Market is taking part in the high profile Love Your Local Market campaign, which is running between May 17 – 31 , led by the National Association of British Market Authorities, with full support from the wider markets industry and the Government.
The weekly market, which has been established in Thame since 1183, will be embracing social media with posts about the various stalls that you can find at the market every Tuesday, through their Facebook page. They are asking everyone to get involved by liking the page and sharing details about your favourite stalls with your friends, using #LYLM2017 and #Thame. Thame market is aiming to reach 1,000 likes by the end of the campaign and needs your help to achieve this!
Thame’s monthly Farmers’ Market will also be getting involved in the campaign through their Facebook, so make sure you show them some love by liking their page! They will also be posting regular features throughout LYLM fortnight, showcasing the products available on the second Tuesday of each month.
Started in 2012 amidst fears around the sustainability of our nation’s high streets, Love Your Local Market participants have staged over 11,000 events. This year, Thame’s Tuesday Charter Market shall be joining over 1200 markets across Britain in this campaign to highlight the importance that our market plays in the heart of our communities, not only for retail but as a valuable community assets that provides a focal point.
High Streets Minister, Andrew Percy, said: “We have a proud heritage of markets in this country. They are a vital part of Britain’s bustling high streets and the heartbeat of communities across the country. Markets are a key part of the retail offer in many towns, contributing to jobs and local growth and are a proven catalyst for encouraging the next generation of business people to start or develop their own businesses”
Each week, Thame Market features a Community Stall that groups and charities can use to enjoy the buzz of the market crowds and promote their work or fundraise right in the heart of the community. As part of the event this stall will feature the Red Kite Family Centre on May 30, from 10am – 1pm. They will be running ‘Carnival Crafts’ providing children with the opportunity to come and get involved in making flags and streamers that they can bring to wave at Thame’s Carnival which takes place on June 10.
Love Your Local Market is being led by the National Association of British Market Authorities and supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Association of Town City Management, National Market Traders Federation, Local Government Association and the National Association of Local Councils.
This year’s Love Your Local Market campaign is being Sponsored by Gala Tent.
You can read the full statistics on the BBC website HERE
